IDAI Introduces 'SAHABAT Ginjal' Principle for Children's Kidney Health

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Dr Henny Adriani Puspitasari, a Paediatric Nephrology Specialist at Pondok Indah Hospital, has introduced the ‘SAHABAT Ginjal’ principle as a simple guide for parents to protect children’s kidney health from an early age.

According to Henny, who is also a member of the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI), efforts to maintain kidney health can begin with daily habits at home to reduce the risk of kidney disorders, which are increasingly being found in children.

“One easy-to-remember method is the SAHABAT Ginjal principle,” Henny said during a health discussion in Jakarta on Friday.

The letter “A” refers to regulating a healthy, low-salt diet by increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables and limiting high-sodium foods.

The next step is “H,” which stands for living an active life every day through regular exercise and increasing physical activity with the family.

The following “A” serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar through the early detection of kidney disease risk factors.

“If a child has certain risk factors, early detection is crucial to prevent kidney disorders from progressing further,” said the doctor, a graduate of the University of Indonesia Faculty of Medicine.

For the next “A,” she reminded parents to keep children away from exposure to cigarette smoke, whether as passive or active smokers, as it can increase the risk of various health problems, including issues with blood vessels and kidneys.

Finally, the letter “T” stands for regular kidney function tests, especially for children with risk factors such as a history of kidney abnormalities, hypertension, obesity, or premature birth.

“Maintaining kidney health does not have to wait for symptoms to appear. Prevention can start with simple habits performed every day,” she said.